Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (902884V)

Tingkat 5, Menara I&P 1

46 Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara
50490 Kuala Lumpur

Instrumentation &
Monitoring
Guidelines for
Works Within MRT
Railway Protection
Zone

December 2018 Edition

MRT Corp Development

Building Control (DBC)
 Instrumentation & Monitoring Guidelines December
For Works Within MRT Railway Protection Zone 2018 Edition

REVISION HISTORY

DETAILS OF AMENDMENT
REVISION NO Date
00 11 December 2018 First Release

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 Instrumentation & Monitoring Guidelines December
For Works Within MRT Railway Protection Zone 2018 Edition

TABLE OF CONTENT

Content Page
1.0 General 1
2.0 Instrumentation 1
2.1 Ground Instrumentation 1
2.2 MRT Structure and Track Instrumentation 1
2.3 Calibration 5
2.4 Protection of Monitoring Instruments 5
3.0 Monitoring 5
3.1 Accuracy of Readings 5
3.2 Baseline Readings 6
3.3 Monitoring Frequency 6
3.4 Termination of Monitoring 7
4.0 Review Level and Control 7
4.1 Review Levels (Limitation Control) 7
4.2 Control Measures and Procedures 8
5.0 Submission Related 12
5.1 Instrumentation and Monitoring Proposal 12
5.2 Method Statement of Instrument Installation Works 12
5.3 As-built Instrumentation and Baseline Readings 12
5.4 Monitoring Report 13

All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior permission of the Development and Building Control, MRT Corp

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1a : Instrumentation at Underground and Portal Structures for Works within Railway Protection
Zone
Table 1b : Instrumentation at Above-Ground Structures for Works within Railway Protection Zone
Table 1c : Instrumentation at At-Grade Structures for Works within Railway Protection Zone
Table 2 : Monitoring Frequency for Works within Railway Protection Zone
Table 3 : Limiting Control Values for Monitoring of Works within Railway Protection Zone

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 : Typical Array of Tunnel Convergence Monitoring

Figure 2a : Breaching of Alert Level
Figure 2b : Breaching of Action Level
Figure 2c : Breaching of Alarm Level

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1.0 General

This guideline outlines the minimum requirements for instrumentation and monitoring works to
be carried out by the Project Proponent for development and building works in Railway
Protection Zone (RPZ) in accordance with Railways (Railway Protection Zone) Regulations
1998. Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT Corp) reserves the right to impose any additional
requirements deemed necessary to safeguard the MRT system. The submitting Professional
Engineer shall be responsible to the monitoring report for Works within MRT RPZ.

2.0 Instrumentation

The instrumentation proposal shall be prepared and endorsed by a Professional Engineer (with
valid Practicing Certificate) who is registered with the Board of Engineers, Malaysia. The
objectives of the instrumentation shall be aimed, but not limited, to provide confirmation of the
predicted behaviour of the railway structures during the execution of development and building
works and, if required, to enable the further assessment of the long-term effects of the
proposed works on railway system and structures. It shall enable the works to be carried out
safely and soundly at every stage and provide a record of performance. Where required, it
enables appropriate contingency measures to be implemented in time.

2.1 Ground Instrumentation

2.1.1 The ground shall be monitored for changes in ground / groundwater conditions and ground
movements which may result from the proposed development and building works.

2.1.2 The proposed ground instrumentation shall be appropriate to the ground conditions and
adequately provided to a degree that any adverse changes to the ground conditions can be
captured.

2.1.3 The ground instrumentation listed in Tables 1a, 1b and 1c shall be provided where applicable.

2.2 MRT Structure and Track Instrumentation

2.2.1 The MRT structures and tracks shall be monitored if the proposed development and building
works have implications on the integrity of the railway structures and system as well as its
operation.

2.2.2 The monitoring instruments shall be adequately provided to a degree that any adverse
changes or impacts to the MRT structures and tracks can be captured.

2.2.3 The structure and track instrumentation listed in Tables 1a, 1b and 1c shall be provided where
applicable.

2.2.4 The MRT tunnels shall be monitored for any movement and distortion along its length at
intervals of not more than 5m within the predicted zone of influence (at least two times the
depth of excavation). At least five points around tunnel ring shall be monitored with two points
below the tunnel spring line as shown in Figure 1.

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Table 1a: Instrumentation at Underground and Portal Structures for Works within Railway Protection Zone

Underground and Portal Structures

Type of Monitoring Instruments Foundation Works Excavation Works

In First Reserve In Second In First Reserve In Second

(If permitted) * Reserve (If permitted) * Reserve
Vertical Settlement Marker Yes Yes Yes Yes
Movement Extensometer Yes Yes Yes Yes
On Lateral Inclinometer Yes - Yes Yes
Ground Movement Displacement Marker Yes - Yes Yes
Groundwater Open Standpipe Yes - Yes Yes
Piezometer** Yes - Yes Yes
Vertical Building Settlement
Movement Marker or Optical Prism Yes Yes Yes Yes
Lateral Optical Prism
Movement Yes Yes Yes Yes

On MRT Distortion Tiltmeter Yes Yes Yes Yes

Structures Electrolevel Beam Yes Yes Yes Yes
and Vibration Vibrometer Yes Yes Yes Yes
tracks Tunnel Optical Prism
Movement (Convergence Method) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Electrolevel Beam Yes Yes Yes Yes
Crack Crack Meter Required if there are existing/ new cracks that maybe aggravated by
Measurement the development and building works

Notes:
* Borehole drilling for installation of ground instrumentation is strictly not permitted within MRT First Reserve.
** The type and depth of piezometer to be agreed between MRT Corp and submitting Professional Engineer.
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Table 1b: Instrumentation at Above-Ground Structures for Works within Railway Protection Zone

Above-Ground Structures

Type of Monitoring Instruments Foundation Works Excavation Works

In First Reserve In Second In First Reserve In Second

(If permitted) Reserve (If permitted) Reserve
Vertical Settlement Marker Yes Yes Yes Yes
Movement Extensometer Yes - Yes Yes
On Lateral Inclinometer Yes - Yes Yes
Ground Movement Displacement Marker Yes - Yes Yes
Groundwater Open Standpipe Yes - Yes Yes
Piezometer* Yes - Yes Yes
Vertical Building Settlement
Movement Marker or Optical Prism Yes Yes Yes Yes
Lateral Optical Prism
On MRT Movement Yes - Yes Yes
Structures Tiltmeter Yes - Yes Yes
and Distortion
Tracks Electrolevel Beam Yes - Yes Yes
Vibration Vibrometer Yes Yes Yes Yes
Crack Crack Meter Required if there are existing/ new cracks that maybe aggravated by
Measurement the development and building works

Note:
* The type and depth of piezometer to be agreed between MRT Corp and submitting Professional Engineer.

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Table 1c: Instrumentation at At-Grade Structures for Works within Railway Protection Zone

At-Grade Structure

Type of Monitoring Instruments Foundation Works Excavation Works

In First Reserve In Second In First Reserve In Second

(If permitted) Reserve (If permitted) Reserve
Vertical Movement Settlement Marker Yes Yes Yes Yes
Extensometer Yes - Yes Yes
Lateral Movement Inclinometer Yes - Yes Yes
On Ground
Displacement Marker Yes - Yes Yes
Groundwater Open Standpipe Yes - Yes Yes
Piezometer* Yes - Yes Yes
Vertical Movement Building Settlement
Marker or Optical Prism Yes Yes Yes Yes
Lateral Movement Optical Prism
Yes - Yes Yes
On MRT
Structures Tiltmeter Yes - Yes Yes
Distortion
and Tracks Electrolevel Beam Yes - Yes Yes
Vibration Vibrometer Yes Yes Yes Yes
Crack Crack Meter Required if there are existing/ new cracks that maybe aggravated
Measurement by the development and building works

Note:
* The type and depth of piezometer to be agreed between MRT Corp and submitting Professional Engineer.

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Optical Prism

Tunnel Spring Line

Tunnel Cross Section

Figure 1: Typical Array of Tunnel Convergence Monitoring

2.3 Calibration

2.3.1 The monitoring instruments used shall have calibration done within the last 6 months prior to
installation. The certificates of calibration shall be submitted to MRT Corp for record.

2.4 Protection of Monitoring Instruments

2.4.1 The Project Proponent shall be responsible for the protection of all monitoring instruments. MRT
Corp shall be notified immediately of any damaged instruments. Damaged instruments shall be
promptly replaced or reinstated within 14 days to the acceptance of MRT Corp. Meanwhile, the
abandoned drilling hole for the damaged instrument shall be closed and properly backfilled with
approved materials (e.g. cement bentonite grout).

3.0 Monitoring

Where the cumulative movement of the underground or at-grade MRT structures and tracks are
expected to exceed 5mm, a real-time monitoring of the structures and tracks shall be provided.
In any cases, an automatic remote-control monitoring system shall be provided for MRT operating
tunnels. MRT above-ground structures may be monitored manually, however, real-time
monitoring shall be required depending on the nature and criticality of the construction works.

3.1 Accuracy of Readings

3.1.1 The readings shall attain the level of accuracy when monitoring instruments are installed properly
and maintained in good working condition. The Project Proponent shall be responsible for the
accuracy and reliability of all readings during the monitoring periods.

3.1.2 The readings taken by automatic tunnel monitoring system must be consistent and stable. The
deviation from the mean readings which is taken as actual reading must be less than +/- 1mm for
90% confidence level. Provision shall be made for regular manual monitoring to confirm the
continued accuracy of the system.

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3.1.3 Manual survey shall be carried out using 1sec theodolite and distance accuracy of 1mm +/- 2ppm
or better. The results shall be certified by Licensed Surveyor for submission to MRT Corp.

3.1.4 Sufficient control and reference points shall be located outside the zone of influence of the
construction works and such that they do not impact on the accuracy of monitoring results. In
addition, control points must be located on very stable structures which would not be affected by
the adjacent developments.

3.2 Baseline Readings

3.2.1 Baseline readings shall be taken at least one (1) month prior to commencement of any
construction activities. The most representative readings of the baseline condition taking into
consideration the effects of train operation and changes in ambient conditions such as vibration,
changes in air pressure and temperature shall be taken as the base readings.

3.2.2 The construction works within railway protection zone will not be allowed to commence until all
instrumentation is in place and baseline readings have been submitted and accepted by MRT
Corp.

3.3 Monitoring Frequency

3.3.1 The monitoring frequency specified in Table 2 shall apply when active construction works or any
other works that could potentially lead to significant changes in the conditions of ground or MRT
structures and tracks. The frequency may be relaxed according to the stages of construction as
well as the relationship between the monitoring instruments and areas of current activity subject
to acceptance from MRT Crop.

3.3.2 MRT Corp reserve the right to change the monitoring frequency based on case to case basis.

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Table 2: Monitoring Frequency for Works within Railway Protection Zone

Underground and Above-Ground At-Grade

Type of Monitoring Instruments
Portal Structures Structures Structures

Vertical Settlement Marker Daily Twice weekly Twice weekly

Movement Extensometer Daily Twice weekly Twice weekly
Lateral Inclinometer Daily Twice weekly Twice weekly
On Ground Movement Displacement Marker Daily Twice weekly Twice weekly
Groundwater Open Standpipe Daily Twice weekly Twice weekly
Piezometer Daily Twice weekly Twice weekly
Vertical Building Settlement
Movement Marker or Optical Daily Twice weekly Twice weekly
Prism
Lateral Optical Prism
Daily Twice weekly Twice weekly
Movement
Tiltmeter Daily Twice weekly Twice weekly
On MRT Distortion
Structures Electrolevel Beam Daily Twice weekly Twice weekly
and Tracks Vibration Vibrometer Continuous* Continuous* Continuous*
Tunnel Optical Prism Continuous* - -
Movement Electrolevel Beam Continuous* - -
Crack Crack Meter Weekly
Weekly Weekly
Measurement (where
(where applicable) (where applicable)
applicable)
Note:
*High level monitoring frequency to be agreed with MRT Corp.

3.4 Termination of Monitoring

3.4.1 The monitoring shall continue until all works that may affect the movement of the MRT structures
and tracks have been completed and monitoring readings shall show that both the MRT structures
and tracks and surrounding ground have stabilized and no further movement or change would be
anticipated in the long term. In any cases, sub-structural works must be completed before
termination of monitoring. If the construction of superstructure is expected to affect adversely on
the ground conditions and MRT structures and tracks, monitoring shall be continued until their
completion and stable readings obtained.

3.4.2 For termination of monitoring, a closing monitoring report shall be prepared and endorsed by the
submitting Professional Engineer for acceptance by MRT Corp. All the drilling holes for monitoring
instruments shall be closed and properly backfilled with appropriate materials approved by MRT
Corp.

4.0 Review Level and Control

4.1 Review Levels

4.1.1 Instrumentation readings shall be monitored against the Alert, Action and Alarm (AAA) trigger
levels or review levels as defined for individual monitoring instruments. The values for review
levels shall form part of design submission.
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4.1.2 The Alert Level and Action Level are two stage readings at predetermined level prior to the Alarm
Level; for example, 50% and 80% of the values specified at Alarm Level. The Alarm Level is
defined as the anticipated value based on the impact assessment or the relevant limiting control
values as per Table 3, whichever is more onerous. Levels predicted in the design shall be set for
each of critical stage of construction.

Table 3: Limiting Control Values for Monitoring of Works within Railway Protection Zone

Railway Structures and Tracks

Surcharge Total Peak Piezometric
Differential
Type of MRT Structures Load at Movement in Particle Changes
Movement in
ground level any direction Velocity (kPa)
any plane*
(kPa) (mm) (mm/sec)
Underground Tunnel 50 <15 < 1/2000 <15
<10
and Portal Station 25 <15 < 1/2000 <15

Above- Viaduct 25 <15 < 1/2000 <15

<10
Ground 25 <15 < 1/2000 <15
Station

Embankment 25 <15 < 1/2000 <15 -

At-Grade
25 <15 < 1/2000 <15 -
Cutting
Note:
* For railway track, it is measured at 3mm in 6m longitudinally.

4.1.3 The submitting Professional Engineer shall continuously monitor the effects of construction works
on the MRT structures and tracks and the surrounding ground. He shall analyse the monitoring
results, predict the likely trends and notify MRT Crop of any deviation from the predicted results
and trends. He shall also make proposal to change the method of working or to implement
mitigation plan as a result of monitoring. The submitting Professional Engineer shall be
responsible for the interpretation of factual monitoring results for the installed instruments with
relation to the work construction sequence and endorse the interpretation report for submission
to MRT Corp.

4.2 Control Measures and Procedures

4.2.1 Principally, if the Alert Level is reached, the related monitoring data shall be reviewed and
construction shall be closely monitored and supervised. If the review concludes that the ground
responses and structures perform as per design, work can proceed. If the review shows the
Action Level is likely to be exceeded, the contingency / mitigation measures shall be proposed
and agreed upon with MRT Corp. The Project Proponent shall immediately instigate the approved
contingency measures when the Action Level is breached at any location. Works may proceed if
the contingency / mitigation measures have been implemented and are in the opinion of the
submitting Professional Engineer to be effective, subject to MRT Corp acceptance. If any reading
exceeds the Alarm Level, the related part of the works shall be made safe and ceased until a full
re-assessment is completed and remedial measures are implemented to ensure safety of the
MRT system.

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4.2.3 The submitting Professional Engineer shall develop the conceptual contingency / mitigation
measures as part of design submission.

4.2.4 MRT Corp is to be immediately informed within 24 hours of breaching AAA levels as per
procedures outlined in Figures 2a, 2b and 2c.

Figure 2a: Breaching of Alert Level

Breach of Alert Level

Project Proponent to notify MRTC, Railway Operator

and SPAD

MRTC, Railway Operator and SPAD

to conduct site inspection together with Project
Proponent and their consultant and contractor

Professional Engineer to issue statement of findings to

MRTC, Railway Operator and SPAD, post joint
inspection and review of design / construction records /
monitoring data

Professional Engineer to propose contingency /

mitigation measure for principal agreement with
MRTC, Railway Operator and SPAD, if the review
reveal the Action Level is likely to be exceeded

Close monitoring and supervision of the construction

Figure 2a: Breaching
works of Alert Level

End

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Figure 2b: Breaching of Action Level

Breach of Action Level

Project Proponent to notify MRTC, Railway Operator

and SPAD

MRTC, Railway Operator and SPAD

to conduct site inspection together with Project
Proponent and their consultant and contractor

Professional Engineer to issue statement of findings to

MRTC, Railway Operator and SPAD, post joint
inspection and review of design / construction records /
monitoring data

Project Proponent to instigate approved contingency /

mitigation measure

Professional Engineer to provide weekly update to

MRTC, Railway Operator and SPAD on the
performance of the mitigation works

End

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Figure 2c: Breaching of Alarm Level

Breach of Alarm Level

Project Proponent to notify MRTC, Railway Operator

and SPAD. The related part of the works shall be made
safe and ceased immediately

MRTC, Railway Operator and SPAD

to conduct emergency joint site inspection together
with Project Proponent and their consultant and
contractor

Professional Engineer to carry out full re-assessment of

the original design and impact assessment study

Professional Engineer to submit the report for

acceptance by MRTC, Railway Operator and SPAD

Project Proponent to carry out approved remedial

works

Resumption of construction works with agreement from

MRTC, Railway Operator and SPAD

End

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5.0 Submission-related

5.1 Instrumentation & Monitoring Proposal

5.1.1 Instrumentation proposal shall be prepared and endorsed by the submitting Professional
Engineer for the acceptance by MRT Corp. The proposal shall include the following items, but
not limited to:

a) Comprehensive instrumentation system to monitor the behavior of the existing MRT

structures and the ground adjacent to it;

b) Layout plans and relevant cross-sections indicating the locations of proposed monitoring
instruments relative to the MRT structures and railway reserves;

c) Details of the monitoring instruments or equipment, including the types, function of

instruments, depth of installation, etc.;

d) Frequency of monitoring;

e) Review levels (AAA) and control procedure; and

f) Specification of monitoring instruments (if relevant).

5.2 Method Statement of Instrument Installation Works

5.2.1 Method statement for carrying out the installation works shall be submitted for acceptance by
MRT Corp. The proposal shall be accompanied by the following items, but not limited to:

a) Layout plan and cross-sections showing the location/ depth of the monitoring instruments
relative to the MRT structures and railway reserves;

b) Write-up and/ or plans indicating step-by-step sequence of carrying out the installation
works and monitoring activities;

c) Hazard analysis identifying all possible risks that may be posed to the MRT system and a
description of the safety and precautionary measures to mitigate these risks; and

d) Product information and samples (if necessary).

5.3 As-built Instrumentation and Baseline Readings

5.3.1 The submitting Professional Engineer shall also provide MRT Corp with location reference plans
for all 'as-built' instrumentation, which shall include coordinate, existing ground level and depth (if
relevant).

5.3.2 Baseline readings shall be submitted for the acceptance by MRT Corp before commencement of
construction works within railway protection zone.

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5.4 Monitoring Report

5.4.1 Monitoring report shall be submitted to MRT Corp on a monthly basis and shall be endorsed by
the submitting Professional Engineer. The monitoring report shall be accompanied with the
interpretation which briefly summarizes and explains the factual data of the installed instruments
as part of requirement outlined in Clause 4.1.3. The Project Proponent shall provide MRT Corp
with the login details to view the automatic real-time monitoring data on online platform.

5.4.2 For termination of monitoring, a closing monitoring report shall be prepared and endorsed by the
submitting Professional Engineer for acceptance by MRT Corp. All the drilling holes for monitoring
instruments shall be closed and properly backfilled with appropriate materials approved by MRT
Corp.

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